Pakistan Revamps Missing Persons Inquiry Commission

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The federal government of Pakistan has reconstituted the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIED) and appointed Justice (retd) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah as its Chairman. The announcement was made on August 8, 2025. According to official data, the commission has resolved 8,770 of the 10,607 registered cases as of July 31, 2025, which represents a resolution rate of about 82 percent.

The CoIED is tasked with investigating cases of alleged enforced disappearances across the country and making recommendations for their resolution. In July 2025, the commission disposed of 70 cases and received 15 new complaints. The figures reflect the number of cases closed after inquiry and the number of fresh complaints registered during the same period.

As part of its work, the CoIED has begun implementing a financial assistance package worth Rs 5 million for families of missing persons. Justice Shah chaired two meetings with commission members and relevant officials to finalize recommendations for the distribution of this assistance. The package is intended to provide monetary relief to families while their cases are under investigation or remain unresolved.

To strengthen regional representation, the federal government has appointed new members to the commission. Justice (retd) Nazar Akbar will represent Sindh, retired Judge Muhammad Bashir will represent Islamabad, Justice (retd) Amanullah Yasinzai will represent Balochistan, and Justice (retd) Syed Afsar Shah will represent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These appointments are aimed at ensuring that cases from all provinces and territories are reviewed by members familiar with the local context.

Justice Shah has conducted hearings in Lahore and Karachi, where he personally heard more than 50 cases. He has also held meetings with interior secretaries and Inspectors General of Police from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Islamabad. These meetings focused on ensuring that joint investigation teams and task forces submit timely and detailed reports on pending cases to the commission.

The commission has stated that it is working toward the adoption of a uniform national policy for the investigation and resolution of enforced disappearance cases. This policy is intended to standardize investigative procedures and promote consistency in handling cases across all regions of Pakistan.

The restructuring of the CoIED, the appointment of new members, and the introduction of a financial assistance package represent ongoing administrative measures aimed at addressing registered cases of enforced disappearances and providing structured support to affected families.